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President Declares Emergency After Quake Killing 181, International Aid Arrives

8/12/2026

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Summary

Story summary

President Abelardo de la Espriella declared an emergency after the quake that killed 181 people.
Rescue teams cleared rubble in cities, saving a baby and a woman after 2,595 injuries.
Aid came from United States ($15.5 million), Mexico (255 experts and four tons of health supplies), EU (Copernicus satellite data) and UN (4,500 metric tons of food).
President de la Espriella announced rental subsidies for 1,400 families and aid to Chocó.

History

Historical Context

The 19 September 1985 Mexico City earthquake, magnitude 8.0, killed at least 5,000 people and collapsed 412 buildings. President Miguel de la Madrid initially rejected foreign aid, then after the 20 September aftershock accepted assistance, prompting the creation of the Civil Protection Committee and volunteer “Mole Brigade.” That experience frames Panama President Abelardo de la Espriella’s request for multinational aid after today’s quake.

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Story summary

President Abelardo de la Espriella declared an emergency after the quake that killed 181 people.
Rescue teams cleared rubble in cities, saving a baby and a woman after 2,595 injuries.
Aid came from United States ($15.5 million), Mexico (255 experts and four tons of health supplies), EU (Copernicus satellite data) and UN (4,500 metric tons of food).
President de la Espriella announced rental subsidies for 1,400 families and aid to Chocó.

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